Macao, China - In the co-main event of Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios and the only world title fight here in Macao, China, Evgeny Gradovich stopped previous opponent Billy Dib in 9 rounds of their Featherweight title match.

Gradovich sent Dib to the canvas in the 6th after a vicious left landed for the Russian fighter.

Dib got up and finished the round despite Gradovich's continued assault on him, with the intention of finishing the contest.

The stoppage came after another three rounds at the end of Round number 9 when Dib's concern corner halted the fight after seeing their fighter accumulate punishment in the previous 4 rounds.

Dib's trainer embraced him after deciding to stop the fight, preserving his health after a brutal fight against the tough champion. An emotional Dib just buried his head down in his coach's shoulders.

The champion celebrated his victory in front of a sold-out crowd at The Cotai Arena, site of the biggest sporting event that this Asian Peninsula has ever seen.

Gradovich remained undefeated in 18 wins and successfully defended his IBF strap in a rousing victory here in Macao, China.